Capt John Doak

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Bef 1797, north side, Cumberland River, Guilford Co, North Carolina
• Residence: 1797, Wilson Co, Tennessee
• Other-Begin: 5 Sep 1807, Guilford Co, North Carolina; father's will
• Other-Begin: 21 Sep 1813, Wilson Co, Tennessee
• Possessions: 8 Nov 1815, Wilson Co, Tennessee; Inventory

Notes:

In letter, A.H. (Alfred H.) Foster claims that the only son of John Doak, the eldest brother of Roddy, is John F Doak. The following is the transcription I made of the letter.

Letter to James Sloan (located in Guilford Co. NC) from A.H. Foster (located in Hermitage, Hickory Co., MO)
(In a previous letter to Sloan from Foster dated Sept 5, 1850, A.H. Foster has written in the margin that "Martha Foster is my step mother")

(punctuation,annotation, and paragraphing added by me (~ss) for clarity of reading)

Hermitage April 20th 1851
Mr. James Sloan,
Sir
I am in receipt of yours of the 24th January last in which you speak of a former Communication which I have never received but I suppose it was in answer to my first transmitting the Power of att of Martha Foster and
Mary Doak in which I requested you to acknowledge the receipt of said Power of Att and whether you accepted the appointment or not. I infer from what you say in your last that you have accepted. You state that you cannot get a hearing unless you can get the names of those entitled to distribution in the estate of the Decd Roddy Doak. to this
end I have taken some pains to learn their names but cannot get all their names (that is) the names of those to whom some of the girls are married, but I will give you the best account that I have been able to get but the where abouts of a good many of them I am not able to give.

John Doak [b Jan 1773] was the eldest brother who is dead.
His heirs are the heirs of Benjamin T [or L or S] Mottley Decd who married the only daughter [Martha b 1795] of John Doak. Mrs. Mottley and her Mother are both dead.

John F [Foster] Doak [b 1801] the only Son of John Doak these live in Wilson Co Tenn.
[note by ~ss: no son named William is listed here]

William Doak [of Doak's Stand] heirs the next brother of Roddy Doak as follows:
Ann [Sarah Ann] who married Ira Mullins
John M [McMurray] Doak
Boyd M [McMurray] Doak
Jonathan Doak and Martha Jane who is married but to whom I am not able to state they all lived in Missippi when last heard from Wm Doak & wife both Dead.

Robert Doak heirs next brother:
to wit Minerva M Williams (widow)
Alanson F Doak
Martha Ann Foster (widow)
Green H Hancock who married Prudence R Doak and
Robert S Doak - the widow of Robert Doak is yet living but I suppose not entitled some of them live in MO & some in Tenn.

Josiah Doak is the next brother who was living when last heard of some where in the State of Texas

Jonathan Doak was the next brother who died leaving one only daughter who married a man by the name of Jones her name is Martha Ann the first name of Jones not known, living in the western part of Tenn.

Martha [Doak, m Alexander] Foster and Mary Doak are the only sisters of Roddy Doak

The names of Mottleys (Martha Doak, heirs who are entitled to one half of John Doaks interest I am not able to give entire if it is necessary that they should be known by name that you can get by writing to John F [Foster] Doak who is the brother of Mrs. Mottley & who lives in Wilson Co Tenn. address him at Lebanon Tenn. [Martha Doak Mottley and John Foster children of John Doak & Mary Foster]


The forgoing I believe comprises the information sought for as near as I am able to give it - Perhaps the interest of Martha Foster & Mary Doak could be sold in anticipation of a decree of sale if so will you (if you can learn what can be had for it) write what can be had for it - or what you think would best for them to do, to wait a final decree & sale or dispose of their interest.
I nothing more at present but remain yours
AH Foster
[see Alfred H. Foster]

note by Laura: Surely the sisters of John Doak would have remembered their oldest brother's first born son, born before he even left NC, and would have shared this with AH Foster who wrote to the administrator of Roddy Doak's estate on behalf of them.



Residence:
In 1797, after living for 31 years in North Carolina, John and his family, in company with several of his wife's family, the Donnells, and the families of his sons-in-law, William McClain and John Doak left Guilford County, North Carolina and pioneered to Wilson County, Tennessee. Together with their associates, they achieved the first permanent settlement in Wilson County, which was then part of Sumner County.

Upon their arrival in this area they first settled in an area on the south bank of the Cumberland River in an area referred to as Drake's Lick which was near the mouth of Spencer's Lick Creek. They would later move on to Spring Creek, and it is this area that today is referred to as, "Doak's Crossroads".
http://www.wisecountytexas.info/families/foster.htm

Other-Begin:
Tennessee Records, Bible Records and Marriage Bonds
Sep 21 1813 John Foster to Elizabeth Rogers
Surety by John Doak
(John Foster his brother-in-law)


Possessions:
John Doak Inventory - 16 September 1815.
W. H. Doak, Administrator.
Recorded 08 November 1815, Wilson Co., TN.
John Doak Sale - 17 September 1815.
Among Buyers: Mary Doak (was this his wife or son William's wife?); Patsy Doak, William H. Doak.
William H. Doak, administrator.
Recorded 20 January 1816, Wilson Co., TN


Died:
John DOAK died in service the 16th of Feb. 1815.

John married Mary "Polly" Foster on 10 Jul 1793 in Guilford Co, North Carolina. Mary (daughter of John Alexander Foster and Martha Morrison) was born on 24 Apr 1772 in Guilford Co, North Carolina; died on 24 Oct 1808 in Wilson Co, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Sarah Catherine Wilson (?) about 1820. Sarah was born about 1795; died after 1830. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Martha married Benjamin Terry Mottley on 22 Jan 1816 in Wilson Co, Tennessee. Benjamin was born about 1790; died after 1820 in of, Wilson Co, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Abt 1858, Wilson Co, Tennessee

Notes:

Residence:
mentioned in letter written by John Foster Doak (see attached), when he stated "I regret exceedingly that so few items pertaining to the early history of that good and great man are at my command; and there is no other person now living in this neighborhood that knew him in the days of his youth, except my sister, and her memory has become so impaired that she has no recollection of dates."

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1840, Wilson Co, Tennessee
• Census: 1850, Wilson Co, Tennessee
• Residence: 1851, Lebanon, Wilson Co, Tennessee
• Residence: Abt 1858, Wilson Co, Tennessee; letter
• Census: 1860, Wilson Co, Tennessee
• Will: 19 Jan 1880, Wilson Co, Tennessee

Notes:

"Westward the course of empire takes its way"

The first settlers of this county were emigrants chiefly from North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and East Tennessee, with a few from Georgia, Maryland and perhaps other States. For much of our information in the respect, we are indebted to a number of the old citizens, surviving children of pioneers, and to whom we hereby make our acknowledgments. Among these are Levi Holloway, James Clemmons, Mrs. Martha Ozment, Mrs. Byrd Smith, Joseph Williams, Edward G. Jacobs, Turner Waters, John T. Goodall, John Palmer, John Perkins, Paulding Anderson, Mrs. Edward Freeman, Tom Alexander, Stephen Woodrum, Lindsay Martin, and John F. Doak, a staunch old Democrat, whose regard for fine horses is only excelled by his admiration for President Jackson, Polk and Johnson, and whose great ambition is to die as he has lived sober and solvent!

Pioneer Settlers

The next settlement, it is thought, was made on the waters of Spring creek, about eight miles south from the site of Lebanon, about the year 1796, by John Foster, John Doak, David McGathey, Alexander Braden, and the Donnell families. It was known as the "Donnell Settlement," they having numerical ascendency.

First Mills, School, Church, Cotton Gin, Etc.

The first horse mill in the county was built in "the Donnell Settlement," eight miles south of the site of Lebanon, near Doak's Cross Roads about the year 1798. The miller was a stout youth by the name of Robert Donnell; since well known to the public as Rev. Robert Donnell, a prominent minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Organization of the County

The following named gentlemen were commissioned magistrates,
to-wit: Charles Kavanaugh, John Alcorn, John Lancaster, Elmore Douglas, John Doak, Matthew Figures, Henry Ross, William Gray, Andrew Donelson and William McClain. Charles Kavanaugh was elected chairman; Robert Foster, clerk; Samuel
Roseborough, Sheriff; John Alcorn, register; John W. Peyton, trustee; William Gray, ranger; Henry Ross, coroner; and William Quesenberry, surveyor. Benjamin Seawell, Esq., was elected the county solicitor.

County Seat

Lebanon, the county seat, was founded in 1802. It is situated on the east branch of Barton's creek, six miles south from Cumberland river, about six miles north of the present geographical center of the county, and thirty miles east from Nashville, with which it is connected by the Tennessee & Pacific railroad.

The commissioners - Christopher Cooper, Alanson Trigg, Matthew Figures, John Harpole and John Doak - assisted by William Quesenbury, the county surveyor, sought to locate the town near the center of the county, but after examining
several localities decided to locate it where they did on account of the big spring.
Residence 1879 Wilson County, Tennessee
The oldest house in the county, so that we have been able to learn, was built by Samuel Wilson Sherrill, on Barton's Creek, near where the Lebanon and Tucker's Gap crosses that stream, two and a half miles south of west from Lebanon. It was built in 1797-98, of hewn cedar logs, the door shutters being made of split boards, and smoothed with the drawing knife, and nailed together with wrought nails made by hands. It is still in use, the door shutters being now eight-two years old, and strong and serviceable if not handsome. The next oldest is one of the buildings occupied by John F. Doak, built by his paternal grandfather [William]in 1800. It is of hewn yellow poplar logs, and is now in an excellent state of preservation. Its present occupant has had it weatherboarded, and otherwise renovated, to make it harmonize with more recent improvements. It is said by some that the old McClain house is the oldest in the county; but I do not know with certainty

A Historical Sketch of Wilson County, Tennessee
From Its First Settlement to the Present Time
by J. V. Drake

Published for the Author by Tavel, Eastman & Howell 1879, Nashville
http://wild-type.com/tng/tngtest/getperson.php?personID=I416&tree=doak

Census:
Name: Jno F Doak
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Wilson, Tennessee
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1 1835-1840 John
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 2 1831-1835 son5,Rufus
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1 1826-1830 Wm H
Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1 1801-1810 John H
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1 1831-1835 (dau3)
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1 Coley
Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23: 1
Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35: 1
Slaves - Males - 36 thru 54: 1
Slaves - Females - Under 10: 2
Slaves - Females - 10 thru 23: 3
Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35: 1
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 4
Free White Persons - Under 20: 5
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total Slaves: 9
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 16


Census:
John F Doak 49
Coley Doak 40
William Doak 21
Rufus Doak 19
Elizabeth Doak 15
John Doak 14
Mary Doak 7
Andrew Doak 5


Census:
residence 159
Doak William H 31 1829 Tennessee
Doak John 23 1837 Tennessee

residence 160
Doak John F 59 1801 Tennessee
Doak Colie 55 1805 Female Virginia
Doak Rufus 28 1832 Tennessee
Doak Mary 18 1842 Tennessee
Doak Andrew 15 1845 Tennessee




Will:
John Foster Doak (1801-1879) Will dated 07 September 1879; recorded 19 January 1880
Heirs: wife Coley Doak; sons John, Andrew Jackson, W. H. Doak;
children of Wm. H. Doak, to wit: John, Elizabeth, William, Kate, Anna Bell; Bunavista Doak, wife of John; Margaret, wife of Wm. H.;
Samuel Mottley, executor.

(Samuel Mottley prob related to Benjamin Terry Mottley (b abt 1790) m to Martha "Patsy" Doak, sister of John Foster Doak.)

John married Elizabeth Hunter on 10 Jan 1822 in Wilson Co, Tennessee. Elizabeth was born about 1801; died before 1827 in Wilson Co, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Coleman Q. "Coley" Harrison on 5 Apr 1827 in Wilson Co, Tennessee. Coleman was born on 15 Apr 1805 in Virginia; died on 8 Nov 1884 in Wilson Co, Tennessee; was buried in Doak Cem, Doaks Crossroads, Wilson Co, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military: 21 Apr 1859, Butler, Bates Co, Missouri; letter
• Census: 1860, Wilson Co, Tennessee
• Census: 1870, Wilson Co, Tennessee
• Other-Begin: 19 Jan 1880, Wilson Co, Tennessee; father's will
• Census: 1900, Levanon, Wilson Co, Tennessee

Notes:

Military:
Thanks to Ralph and Karen Nabours for sharing!

From: "Ralph Doak"
To: "Sherry"
Sent: Sunday, March 24, 2013 8:23 AM
Subject: William H. Doak

Letter from 'one of the two most dangerous men' in Indian Territory on the Confederate side.
Thanks to Karen Nabours, MO 'credit' for this

Below is the letter that William H. Doak
sent to R. M. Stewart Comd. In Chf. Mo. Mi.

? Head Quarters Mo. Mi.
Butler, Bates Co., Mo.
Apl. 21, 1859

His Excel. R. M. Stewart
Comd. In Chf. Mo. Mi.

Sir:
I have the honor to report that since I recd. the Apt as Capt Comp ?B? Mo Mi -- on the 13th Inst from you per hands of Adj?t Gen G A Parsons, I have spent three or four days on the line between this State and Kansas T - - I find along said line nothing of an exciting Nature or any thing that I think would justify me under my instructions to march my Comp on the line ? There is some fears however entertained by a number of men who are farming in thinly settled neighborhoods that a decent will be made on them by the Kansas Banditti-- before any intimation of such a movement could reach them as it appears those thieving bands are frequently organized some twenty or twenty-five miles back from the line and our citizens would not be apprised of their approach until aroused from their beds by an armed force at their doors. Fearing such an attack might be made I will move on the line with my Company in seven or eight days or as soon as I get the necessary arms and accoutrements for my men ? if I find the fears of our citizens along the line continue?and there remain a week or ten days?or longer if there should any thing arise that is threatening?On this matter however I would request some instructions?at an early date as possible.
I would respectfully suggest to your honor that some
fifty stand of muskets be turned over to the citizens of West Point in this County to be distributed among the citizens of this place.
I would further respectfully suggest that arms suitable
for the mounted force be sent forward soon?as the muskets
now at this place are not compleat with accoutrements & c
which fact I suppose Mr. McHenry has apprised you of.
I made the selection from my company on the 15th Inst of two men (John Weightman & W. L. Meek) for the Secret Service mentioned in your instructions?would have placed but found that I could get the necessary information without the
additional expense & c.
Hoping soon to hear from you I have
the honor to subscribe myself.
Yours very Respectfully,
Wm. H. DOAK
Capt Co ?B? Mo Mi

(Endorsed)
Caot Wn, G, Diaj
Butler, Bates.?


Census:
residence 159
Doak William H 31 1829 Tennessee
Doak John 23 1837 Tennessee

residence 160
Doak John F 59 1801 Tennessee
Doak Colie 55 1805 Female Virginia
Doak Rufus 28 1832 Tennessee
Doak Mary 18 1842 Tennessee
Doak Andrew 15 1845 Tennessee


Census:
Wm H Doak 42
Margrett Doak 27
John Doak 8
Alford Doak 5
Annie Doak 4
Edward Doak 3
Lafayett Doak 25 Black
Mary Doak 15 Mulatto
Seat Millie 65
Marriah Millie 21
Colmon Millie 16


Census:
Geo Covington 34
Bettie Covington 27
Irma Covington 8
Dana Covington 6
Vaud Covington 4
William Doan (Doak) 71 father in law
Margaret Doan 57 mother in law
Alice Pendleton 20 black

William married Mrs. Margaret (..) Doak about 1861 in Wilson Co, Tennessee. Margaret was born in 1843 in Tennessee; died after 1880 in of, Wilson Co, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1860, Wilson Co, Tennessee

Notes:

Census:
residence 159
Doak William H 31 1829 Tennessee
Doak John 23 1837 Tennessee

residence 160
Doak John F 59 1801 Tennessee
Doak Colie 55 1805 Female Virginia
Doak Rufus 28 1832 Tennessee
Doak Mary 18 1842 Tennessee
Doak Andrew 15 1845 Tennessee

John married Mrs. Buena Vista (..) Doak about 1848 in Wilson Co, Tennessee. Buena was born in 1852 in Tennessee; died after 1880 in of, Wilson Co, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Other-Begin: 19 Jan 1880, Wilson Co, Tennessee; father's will

Elizabeth married George Covington in 1891 in Wilson Co, Tennessee. George was born in Jul 1865 in Tennessee; died after 1900 in of, Lebanon, Wilson Co, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]